CRYSTAF is a fully automated instrument intended for the fast measurement of the Chemical Composition Distribution (CCD) in Polyolefins. Overview
CRYSTAF is a fully automated instrument intended for the fast measurement of the Chemical Composition Distribution (CCD) in Polyolefins. CRYSTAF instrument performs the Crystallization Analysis Fractionation technique to separate the polymer by its comonomer content. The process is done in a single temperature ramp (crystallization step), while the po... Read more

CRYSTAF is a fully automated instrument intended for the fast measurement of the Chemical Composition Distribution (CCD) in Polyolefins.

Overview

CRYSTAF is a fully automated instrument intended for the fast measurement of the Chemical Composition Distribution (CCD) in Polyolefins.

CRYSTAF instrument performs the Crystallization Analysis Fractionation technique to separate the polymer by its comonomer content. The process is done in a single temperature ramp (crystallization step), while the polymer solution concentration is monitored by using the Infrared Detector IR4 of Polymer Char.

The virtual instrumentation software controls the full process, therefore no manpower is required. Dry samples are put into the crystallization vessels and the instrument fills them with solvent and performs the dissolution, crystallization and sampling. Up to 5 different samples can be analyzed at a time in 6 hours under standard conditions. At the end of the process, vessels and lines are automatically cleaned and the CRYSTAF is ready to analyze more samples. Results of the Chemical Composition Distribution are obtained directly from the software.

CRYSTAF can be converted into a CRYSTAF-TREF combined system capable of running both techniques by using the same hardware. Each technique can provide complementary information on the CCD in some complex resins.

Features

· Analysis of up to 5 samples simultaneously. · Analysis time of 6 hours for 5 samples under standard conditions. · Fully automated process including a final cleaning of the lines and vessels. No manpower and no solvents handling along the whole process. · One single temperature cycle needed. · Possibility of calibrating the instrument to obtain the CCD curve in comonomer content units. · Analysis of one sample in 2 hours for Quality Control needs through isothermal steps conditions. · Infrared Detector IR4 incorporated. · Low solvent consumption. · Possibility of subambient capability (down to -20ºC) for low crystallinity samples. · Virtual Instrumentation software with whole control of the instrument hardware and process. · Possibility of converting it into a CRYSTAF-TREF instrument. · Possibility of remote control connection to allow fast diagnosis from Polymer Char Service Center.

Detectors

Infrared Detector IR4 OEM

IR4 is the standard detector incorporated by default in all the Polymer Char analytical instruments in its OEM version. IR4 is a dual wavelength stand-alone infrared detector, which uses the principle of infrared absorption spectroscopy to measure the concentration and composition in polyolefins.

IR4 is designed to measure on-line concentration and composition in HPLC, GPC or to couple it with other separation techniques like CRYSTAF, TREF, etc., and it has been proved as the most appropriate detector for polyolefins.

When adding a composition or a carbonyls sensor, other useful information can be obtained in addition to the concentration.

Software

The CRYSTAF Software is specifically developed for controlling and monitoring the automated CRYSTAF technique.

The CRYSTAF Software offers two operation modes: automated analysis and manual action; In the automated mode, an easy and complete interface defines all the conditions for the CRYSTAF analysis, such as the crystallization ramps, temperatures, times or volumes; to be adapted to all kind of Polyolefins and research studies by CRYSTAF technique. Furthermore, a set of standard methods are previously saved in the instrument to be used by the analyst for the routine sample analysis, based on Polymer Char’s standard conditions. User’s methods can also be saved and recovered for successive analyses.

On the other hand, the manual action operation offers the full control of the instrument, thought to be used as a fast and powerful diagnosis tool directly by the user and also by Polymer Char service engineers.

The Calculations screen is linked to the instrument database to facilitate the samples results organization.